Backyard Ultra - what is it?
Backyard Ultra is a running competition format where after each full-hour new start, participants have to run 6.7 km. The remaining time before the new start can be used for rest. The competition will last as long as there is only one participant left. According to the rules, only the winner is considered the finisher of the competition, the rest are all DNF.
The format is created by Gary "Lazarus Lake" Cantrell, who has since 2012 every year held a competition called 'Big's Backyard Ultra' at his home in Tennessee, USA
The Backyard Ultra world record is 102 laps (685 km), set by Australian runner Phil Core in 2023 at the Australian Backyard Masters.
The Estonian record of 55 laps, i.e. 368.83 km, belongs to Hannes Veide, who performed this result in 2021 "Heavy Metal Ultra"
Heavy Metal Ultra
Heavy Metal Ultra is the first Backyard Ultra in the Baltics, taking place in Keila from 2019. A special feature of the event is the rock song that marks each start. It's like a mix of a running race and a rock concert. The playlist is put together by the participants themselves from the songs they request during registration. Because of the format, the participants spend a lot of time together, both running and between laps, it creates a special atmosphere. Those who are just starting out in long distance running, and who do not claim to be the winners, will find a challenge either in running their longest distance or, for example, completing seven laps, as everyone who completes at least seven laps will receive a special medal.
Marathon100 Prizes:
2019 – Best new running competition.
2019 – Second place in the category of small running competitions.
2020 – Second place in the category of small running competitions.
2020 – Heavy Metal Ultra Christmas Special. The best running competition in Estonia in the category of small running competitions
2020 – Heavy Metal Ultra Christmas Special. The best new running competition in Estonia.
2021 – The best running competition in Estonia in the category of small running competitions
2022 – The best running competition in Estonia in the category of small running competitions